Body found in the Delaware confirmed as Sally Murphy; death ruled suicide

RICH ROLEN / SPECIAL TO THE MORNING CALL

State police from New Jersey and Pennsylvania investigate witness' reports that a Bethlehem woman jumped off the Interstate 78 East bridge over the Delaware River on Monday evening. On Wednesday, Sally Murphys body was pulled from the river at Solebury Township.

State police from New Jersey and Pennsylvania investigate witness' reports that a Bethlehem woman jumped off the Interstate 78 East bridge over the Delaware River on Monday evening. On Wednesday, Sally Murphys body was pulled from the river at Solebury Township.

The fall from the bridge to the river was about 100 feet. The river was 15-18 feet deep at that point.

A Thursday morning autopsy determined that Murphy wasn't killed by the impact on the water, Campbell said.

"She barely had one bruise on the rib, that was it," he said. "She drowned. I was surprised by that."

Murphy was identified by checking her dental records and with the help of family members, who recognized the jewelry and articles of clothing on her, he said.

On the evening of June 22, several motorists phoned 911 to report seeing a woman jump from the bridge, police said. Murphy's car was found on the bridge.

New Jersey State Police took charge of the investigation because it appeared she jumped from the Pohatcong Township side of the river, across from Williams Township.

New Jersey and Pennsylvania state police, aided by fire companies and rescue crews, conducted an intensive search of the river immediately after the jump, but the hunt was scaled back after three days.

Just before 11 a.m. Wednesday, passers-by reported seeing a body floating past the Lumberville footbridge. The Point Pleasant Fire Company marine unit recovered the body.